Container, disc element, and method for manufacturing a metallic container

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (1) made from a sheet metal material (2), said container comprising at least: at a first end (3), a base region (4) closing the first end (3); adjoining the base region, a wall region (8) which extends along an axial direction (5) towards a second end (6) and extends around a peripheral direction (7); and a cover region (9) which has a closure (10) and at least partially closes the second end (6); wherein the base region (4), the wall region (8), and the cover region (9) enclose a container volume (11) in a gas-tight manner; wherein a disc element (12) is located inside the container volume (11) and divides the container volume (11) into a first partial volume (13) and a second partial volume (14). The invention also relates to: a disc element (12) for the container (1); and a method for manufacturing the container (1).

Description

[0001] Container, disc element and a method for producing a metallic container

[0002] The present invention relates to a container made of at least one sheet material, a disc element for the container and a method for producing a metallic container.

[0003] The container is, in particular, a can, in particular a beverage can. The container consists, in particular, of at least two container parts. A first container part comprises at least a base region and a wall region of the container. A second container part comprises a lid element. The lid element is connected to the first container part, e.g., by a seam connection.

[0004] The container comprises, at least at a first end, a base region closing the first end, a wall region extending along an axial direction toward a second end and circumferentially extending thereto, and a lid region closing the second end with a closure (lid element). The base region, the wall region, and the lid region enclose a container volume in a gas-tight manner.

[0005] At least such first container parts are produced from sheet material at least by deep drawing or ironing-sliding drawing along an axial direction.

[0006] In particular, a lid element or a lid region can be attached to the second end. The lid element can, in particular, have a closure through which the contents of the container closed by the lid element can be removed.

[0007] The container can, for example, be part of a beverage container, in particular a (metallic) beverage can. The beverage container serves to store contents, e.g., a liquid. In the closed state (initial state), the beverage container may be subjected to an excess pressure relative to the environment or atmospheric pressure of approximately 1 bar. Especially in the case of beverage cans with carbonated contents, the beverage container may be subjected to an internal pressure of up to 6.2 bar before being opened for the first time.

[0008] The known two-part containers or cans, closed by a lid element, have a base region that determines the container volume, followed by a cylindrical wall region, which are manufactured in a single operation—i.e., in one piece—by deep drawing and / or ironing and sliding drawing. The wall thickness of the wall region in these containers is, for example, in the order of approximately 0.080 mm [millimeters] to approximately 0.160 mm, with the greatest thickness being in the area of ​​the subsequent connection to the lid element, while the wall thickness of the base region is in the order of approximately 0.220 mm to approximately 0.350 mm. A lid element can be arranged on the side of the (appropriately prepared) wall region opposite the base region. The lid element is connected to the wall region of the container in the usual way, e.g., by means of a so-called double seam.The wall thickness of the cover element has in particular a wall thickness in the order of magnitude of 0.150 mm to approximately 0.30 mm.

[0009] Containers of this type are used in significant quantities as disposable packaging, especially for beverages of all kinds. The can material is largely made from recycled material. Given the large market volume, a significant amount of material (especially tinplate or aluminum) is required. With such containers, particular care must be taken to minimize the use of other materials.

[0010] It is known, for example, from DE 10 2018 110 764 A1 and DE 10 2019 112 818 A1 to arrange a fluid container within a container. This fluid container stores a fluid (a fluid other than the contents or liquid of the beverage container) that leaks into the contents or liquid of the beverage container, particularly when the beverage container is opened. Such fluid containers are typically made of a plastic material.

[0011] The fluid reservoir must be arranged in the container, particularly as stationary as possible. Furthermore, the capacity and thus the size of the fluid reservoir must be tailored to the specific application. GB 2 211 813 A discloses a container in which a cup-shaped disc divides the container volume into two sections. The disc is made of sheet metal. The disc can only be inserted into the container in a partially formed state. Contact between the disc and the container wall can damage a coating that is usually present on the container wall. Such a disc is therefore unsuitable for large-scale use in the manufacture of beverage containers.

[0012] The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems associated with the prior art and, in particular, to provide a container that can be manufactured reproducibly. The container should contain as little foreign material (i.e., material other than sheet metal) as possible and be designed to be suitable for a wide range of product applications.

[0013] These objects are achieved by a container according to the features of patent claim 1, by a disc element according to the features of patent claim 11, and by a method according to the features of patent claim 13. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent patent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically expedient manner and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features listed in the patent claims are further specified and explained in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

[0014] A container is proposed, manufactured (at least) from sheet metal. The container comprises, at least at a first end, a base region closing the first end, adjoining said base region, which extends along an axial direction towards a second end and is formed circumferentially, and a lid region closing the second end with a closure. The base region, the wall region, and the lid region enclose a container volume in a gas-tight manner. Arranged within the container volume is a disk element which divides the container volume into a first partial volume and a second partial volume. The disk element comprises at least an inner first region and an annular second region which runs circumferentially around the first region. The second region of the disk element contacts the wall region.The first region and the second region comprise different materials or at least the second region is made of a plastic material.

[0015] In particular, the container is filled with a liquid, with another fluid, in particular nitrogen, also being stored in the container. The liquid and the fluid are arranged (largely) separately from one another in the container. After filling and (immediately) before the first opening of the filled and sealed container, i.e., ready for its intended use, at least 90% by weight of the fluid is arranged in the second partial volume and at least 90% by weight of the liquid is arranged in the first partial volume.

[0016] In particular, the first partial volume is larger than the second partial volume.

[0017] When the container is in an upright position and ready for its intended use, the base region is at the bottom relative to the direction of gravity, and the lid region is at the top. In particular, the wall region between the base region and the lid region extends along an axial direction (substantially) parallel to the direction of gravity (when the container is in an upright position) and in a circumferential direction completely around the base region and lid region.

[0018] The container extends, in particular, from the base region to the lid region along the axial direction. The axial direction preferably runs parallel to the wall region. In particular, the container is essentially cylindrical and has (apart from structures, e.g., in the lid region, e.g., for opening / closing the container volume) an axis of rotation or axis of symmetry that extends parallel to the axial direction.

[0019] The container is usually opened via an operable closure in the lid area. In particular, the opened closure opening is resealable (or alternatively, not resealable), and the initial overpressure in the container can only be partially restored by reclosing the opening.

[0020] In an initial state, the container is, in particular, subjected to a first pressure that is greater than a second ambient pressure (in particular, the second pressure is at most 1.1 bar, preferably the first pressure is at least 2.5 bar). As long as the beverage container is in the initial state, the pressure within the partial volumes (first partial volume, second partial volume) is, in particular, the same.

[0021] In particular, the first partial volume and the second partial volume are fluidically connected to one another via the disc element, e.g., via an opening or a recess in the disc element. The respective fluidic connection has a maximum cross-section through which a fluid can flow of at most 0.5 mm 2 (square millimetres), in particular not more than 0.1 mm 2 The total of the fluid connections has a maximum cross-section through which a fluid can flow of 2.0 mm 2 (square millimetres), in particular not more than 1 .0 mm 2 , on.

[0022] Even if a fluidic connection is present, there is at least a theoretical separation into two sub-volumes. The separation surface between the sub-volumes then extends along the plane of the disc element across the fluidic connection.

[0023] In the initial state, the second sub-volume is at least partially filled with a fluid (e.g., a gas) (possibly also partially filled with the liquid, in particular from the second sub-volume). When the container is opened and the pressure equalizes with the environment, at least the fluid (possibly also the liquid) from the second sub-volume escapes, e.g., via the at least one fluidic connection, into the first sub-volume or into the liquid arranged there.

[0024] The container volume is in particular between 0.1 and 5 liters, preferably at most 3 liters, particularly preferably at most 1.5 liters. The first partial volume is in particular between 80% and 99%, preferably between 90% and 99%, particularly preferably between 95% and 99% of the container volume. The first partial volume is in particular at most 95% or at most 98% of the container volume.

[0025] The second partial volume is in particular between 1% and 20%, preferably between 1% and 10%, particularly preferably between 1% and 5% of the container volume. The second partial volume is in particular at most 5% or at most 2% of the container volume.

[0026] After filling and (immediately) before the first opening of the filled and closed container, i.e. container ready for the intended use, the second partial volume is in particular filled with the fluid to at least 95%, preferably at least 98% or even 100%.

[0027] After filling and (immediately) before the first opening of the filled and sealed container, i.e., the container ready for its intended use, the first partial volume is in particular filled to at least 95%, preferably at least 98%, with a liquid. In particular, the remainder of the first partial volume, in particular at least 1% of the first partial volume, is filled with the fluid or another gas.

[0028] The fluid can be a gas, a liquid, or a solid, such as a powder. The fluid can also be composed of several different fluids, such as powdered and gaseous fluids, powdered and liquid fluids, etc. In particular, the aggregate state of the fluid within the fluid container can change over time. The fluid is preferably nitrogen.

[0029] Filling the container can be done in a generally known way, for example as follows:

[0030] • Providing a first container part comprising at least a bottom region and a wall region of the container;

[0031] • Arranging the disc element in the first container part; • Filling the first container part (first partial volume and second partial volume) with a liquid - but in particular not completely; alternatively, at least partially filling the second partial volume with a fluid and at least partially filling the first partial volume with a liquid;

[0032] • If necessary, filling the first container part with the fluid, e.g. with inert gas (possibly at least partially liquefied);

[0033] • Providing a second container part comprising a lid element;

[0034] • Connecting the first container part to the second container part and thereby (gas-tight) closing the container with the cover element and forming the container;

[0035] • If necessary, turn the container upside down so that the bottom area is facing upwards (relative to the direction of gravity);

[0036] • If necessary, filling the second partial volume via at least one fluid connection with the fluid, e.g. with the inert gas that expands by heating in the closed container, or by changing the state of aggregation of the inert gas and the resulting expansion of the inert gas.

[0037] • Providing the container in an initial state.

[0038] The disc element comprises, in particular, at least one inner first region and an annular second region extending circumferentially around the first region. The first region and the second region together form a disc, separating the subvolumes from one another. The disc element extends within the container essentially in a plane extending transversely to the axial direction.

[0039] The disc element contacts the wall area with the second area. The contact is particularly circumferential. However, one or more recesses can also be provided, interrupting the circumferential contact at least locally. A fluidic connection between the sub-volumes can be formed via the at least one recess.

[0040] The first region and the second region comprise different materials, or at least the second region is made of a plastic material. In particular, the first region is made of a sheet metal material. In particular, the sheet metal material of the first region corresponds to the sheet metal material of the first container part and / or the second container part. This can improve or simplify recycling of the container. The material of the second region differs from the first material, in particular with regard to an alloy composition and / or the material type.

[0041] Preferably, the second region is made of a plastic material. This prevents damage to the surfaces surrounding the container volume when the disc element is arranged in the first container part or in the container.

[0042] In particular, all surfaces of a sheet material that would otherwise be contactable by a fluid (or liquid) located within the container volume are coated with a coating material. The coating material preferably comprises a plastic. If the second area is made of a plastic material, damage to this coating can be reliably prevented.

[0043] In particular, at least the second region can be (elastically) deformed during the insertion of the disc element into the first container part, so that the disc element can also be arranged in the first container part through cross-sectional constrictions of the wall region.

[0044] In particular, the wall region has a cross-sectional constriction in the region of the second end, wherein the cover element is then arranged in the cross-sectional constriction.

[0045] The material thickness of the first area is in particular between 0.08 and 0.3 millimeters.

[0046] In particular, the wall region is cylindrical at a contact point where the second region contacts the wall region, thus extending particularly parallel to the axial direction. In particular, the base region has a convex shape as viewed from the container volume. A contact surface is formed on a region of this shape extending furthest into the container volume from the first end along the axial direction, against which the disk element rests or which contacts the disk element.

[0047] In particular, the contact surface forms a kind of stop for the disc element, so that further displacement of the disc element along the axial direction is prevented by the contact surface. Thus, the design of the convex shape can determine a volume value of the second partial volume. A change in the convex shape then also causes a change in the volume value of the second partial volume.

[0048] In particular, the disc element contacts the contact surface exclusively with the first area.

[0049] In particular, the contact surface has an at least partially curved profile in a cross-section of the container running parallel to the axial direction, wherein the disc element has a corresponding (i.e. equally) curved profile at least in the region of contact with the contact surface, so that contacting surfaces of the disc element and the contact surface (in particular in all cross-sections of the container running parallel to the axial direction) run parallel to each other.

[0050] The contact surface is, in particular, circular or ring-shaped (or ring-segment-shaped). If the contact surface is circular, the second partial volume extends in a ring around the contact surface, i.e., bounded inwardly by the contact surface or by the convex shape of the base area and outwardly by the wall area or the outer wall of the base area.

[0051] If the contact surface is ring-shaped (or segment-shaped), two second sub-volumes are formed: a circular sub-volume located within the contact surface, and an annular sub-volume bounded inwardly by the contact surface or the convex shape of the base area, and outwardly by the wall area or the outer wall of the base area. These sub-volumes can be connected to each other.

[0052] In particular, the disc element is connected to the contact surface via an adhesive material. The adhesive material can be used to determine the position of the disc element within the container volume. The adhesive material can be arranged, in particular, on the disc element and / or on the contact surface. The adhesive effect of the adhesive material allows the disc element and the contact surface to be connected to one another in a force-fitting manner.

[0053] No alternative adhesive material is provided.

[0054] In particular, the first sub-volume and the second sub-volume are fluidically connected to each other via the disc element. The fluidic connection comprises a passage for a fluid (a gas and / or a liquid) across the disc element, so that the fluid can flow from one sub-volume into the other sub-volume.

[0055] In particular, the fluidic connection is formed at least by at least one recess arranged at an outer edge of the second region or by at least one opening arranged exclusively in the second region.

[0056] The recess is, for example, an incision or undercut at the edge of the second region, allowing the fluid to flow along the wall region from one sub-volume into the other sub-volume. In this case, the passage for the fluid is formed by the wall region and the second region. The at least one recess can also be formed by an increased roughness that is present at least (only) at the edge of the second region. The local maxima of the roughness then contact the wall region, whereby the local minima of the roughness can form the fluidic connection.

[0057] The opening is, for example, a hole, a channel, or a through-bore through which the first partial volume and the second partial volume are fluidically connected. The opening is therefore formed, in particular, exclusively by the second region.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one opening can be arranged in the first region. If openings are provided in the first region, the (possibly metallic) surfaces of these openings must be covered, in particular, by a coating material.

[0059] The arrangement in the second area is therefore advantageous, especially if this is made of a plastic material, for example, because then a coating of the surfaces of the opening and / or the recess is not necessary.

[0060] In particular, the at least one opening is created with a laser, alternatively with a mechanical tool, e.g. a needle.

[0061] The opening and / or the recess has a maximum diameter as small as possible, in particular of no more than 0.3 millimeters, in particular of no more than 0.2 millimeters. In particular, the respective fluid connection has a maximum flow-through cross-section of 0.1 mm2 This allows an exchange of fluids arranged in the first sub-volume and the second sub-volume to be prevented (at least largely) as long as the pressure in the sub-volumes is essentially the same.

[0062] In particular, the first region is formed by a sheet metal material, and the second region is formed by a plastic material molded onto the first region. The second region can be produced, in particular, by an injection molding process, wherein the first region is already arranged in the injection mold and is at least partially overmolded by the material of the second region.

[0063] In particular, at least every surface of the sheet material enclosing the container volume or, in addition, every surface of a sheet material arranged within the container volume (e.g., the disc element) is coated with a plastic as a coating material. This coating material is intended, in particular, to prevent physical contact between a liquid to be stored in the container and the metallic surfaces. Furthermore, a disc element is proposed which is designed to be suitable for arrangement in the described container. The disc element comprises at least an inner first region and an annular second region surrounding the inner region along the circumferential direction. The first region and the second region comprise different materials, or at least the second region is made of a plastic material.

[0064] In particular, the disc element has at least one recess arranged on an outer edge of the second region or at least one opening arranged exclusively in the second region.

[0065] The statements regarding the container apply equally to the disc element and vice versa.

[0066] A method for producing the described container is further proposed. The method comprises at least the following steps: a) providing a first container part of the container, at least comprising a base region closing a first end of the container and a wall region adjoining the first container part and extending along an axial direction toward an open second end and circumferentially formed in a circumferential direction; b) providing the disc element; c) inserting the disc element along the axial direction over the open second end into the first container part and forming a second partial volume of the container, which is spatially delimited at least by the base region and the disc element; and d) providing a second container part of the container, at least comprising a lid element at least partially closing the second end of the container;e) Arranging the cover element on the wall area and connecting the first container part to the second container part to form the container, e.g., by means of a circumferential seam connection. The above (non-exhaustive) classification of the method steps into a) to e) is primarily intended to serve only as a means of differentiation and does not enforce any order and / or dependency. The frequency of the method steps can also vary. It is also possible for method steps to overlap one another, at least partially. Most preferably, method steps a) and b) take place before steps c) to e). In particular, steps a) to e) are carried out in the order listed.

[0067] In particular, the container is filled between steps c) and d) or between steps c) and e).

[0068] In particular, the first container part (first partial volume and second partial volume) is filled with a liquid—but in particular not completely. Alternatively, the second partial volume is at least partially filled with a fluid and the first partial volume is at least partially filled with a liquid. In particular, the first container part is then filled with the fluid, e.g., with an inert gas (possibly at least partially liquefied).

[0069] In particular, after step e), the container is then inverted, if necessary, so that the bottom region faces upwards (relative to the direction of gravity). Subsequently, the second partial volume is filled via the at least one fluid connection with the fluid, e.g., with the inert gas, which expands upon heating in the closed container, or by changing the state of aggregation of the inert gas and resulting expansion of the inert gas.

[0070] Finally, the filled container is made available in an initial state (the state of the container ready for its intended use).

[0071] In particular, in step c), a predetermined volume value of the second partial volume is set by the extent of the displacement of the disc element along the axial direction. In particular, the base region has a convex shape as viewed from the container volume. Furthermore, the base region has a contact surface in a region of this shape extending furthest into the container volume from the first end along the axial direction. The disc element contacts the contact surface after step c). In step c), contacting the contact surface deforms the disc element, whereby the predetermined volume value of the second partial volume is set in the process or thereby.

[0072] During this deformation of the disc element, the base region can be supported from the outside, preventing it from deforming further. In particular, the disc element at least partially assumes the shape of the base region during the deformation.

[0073] Alternatively, the base region can also be deformed by the disc element, so that the degree of deformation of the base region and thus a predetermined volume value of the second partial volume is set by the extent of the displacement of the disc element along the axial direction.

[0074] Upon contact with the contact surface, the disc element forms the second partial volume. Through further displacement of the disc element and the resulting deformation of the disc element and / or the base region, the second partial volume can then be further reduced (i.e., after the first contact between the disc element and the contact surface) by at least 1%, preferably by at least 5%, particularly preferably by at least 10%, until a predetermined second partial volume is created.

[0075] In particular, the disk element has a failure element which, in the event of a pressure difference between the first partial volume and the second partial volume of, for example, less than 0.5 bar, preferably less than 1.0 bar, particularly preferably less than 2.0 bar, fluidically separates the second partial volume from the first partial volume and which, in the event of a pressure difference between the first partial volume and the second partial volume of, for example, at least 1.0 bar, in particular at least 2.0 bar, fluidically connects the second partial volume to the first partial volume. When a container, the second partial volume of which is filled with a fluid (e.g. with an inert gas (optionally at least partially liquefied) and the first partial volume with a liquid and the container volume of which has an overpressure compared to the environment, is opened, pressure equalization with the environment takes place. In this case, the second partial volume then has, for example,Due to the gas contained therein, an overpressure compared to the first partial volume occurs, which can be reduced via at least one failure element.

[0076] The at least one failure element can in particular replace the at least one opening or recess or be used in addition thereto.

[0077] The failure element has in particular the function of a pressure relief valve that switches in particular in both directions, i.e. towards the second partial volume and towards the first partial volume (depending on the direction of the pressure difference), when a value of a pressure difference is exceeded and thus forms a fluidic connection.

[0078] The failure element can be designed in particular as a predetermined breaking point, e.g., in the first region and / or in the second region, e.g., formed by a wall thickness of the respective material that is only locally reduced or by a slot or opening that is closed at a low pressure difference and open at a higher pressure difference. In particular, the at least one failure element is designed in the second region.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the disc element can also be designed with a shape deviation from the wall region. For example, the wall region is cylindrical and has a circular cross-section transverse to the axial direction. In this case, the disc element can have an elliptical shape, for example, so that the disc element rests against the wall region with a different pressure force along the circumferential direction. This means that when a pressure difference exists, for example immediately after the container volume has been opened to the environment, the disc element can be rotated around the larger diameter of the ellipse and relative to the container, so that in the gap between the wall region and the disc element, in the region of the smaller diameter of the ellipse, a fluidic connection is formed between the first partial volume and the second partial volume.

[0080] The container is used in particular as a beverage container. As such, it comprises a housing with a base region, a lid region, and a wall region connecting the base region to the lid region. In particular, the beverage container has a core bevel running along a circumferential direction (in the base region or) between the base region and the wall region, and optionally additionally a core bevel (in the lid region or) between the lid region and the wall region. The container has a container volume that can be or is filled at least partially with a liquid. In the lid region and along a radial direction running transversely to the axial direction, a closure (if present) is arranged within the core bevel, via which closure, when opened, the liquid can be removed from the container volume.

[0081] The core slope is in particular a groove in the base area (or lid area) which runs circumferentially around the circumference, wherein a lowest point of the container volume (relative to the direction of gravity) is arranged within the core slope of the base area.

[0082] In particular, at least one data processing system is provided which has means which are suitably equipped, configured or programmed to carry out the method or which carry out the method.

[0083] In particular, a device provided for carrying out the method comprises a data processing system, e.g. a control device, which has means for carrying out the steps of the method and / or which has means that are suitably equipped, configured or programmed to carry out the steps of the method or that carry out the method.

[0084] The means include, for example, a processor and a memory in which instructions to be executed by the processor are stored, as well as data lines or transmission devices that enable the transmission of instructions, measured values, data, or the like between the aforementioned elements. The "means" can, in particular, include one or more of the following components: controller(s), microcontroller, data memory, data connection, display devices (such as a display), counter or timer, at least one additional sensor, a power source, etc.

[0085] A computer program is further proposed, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the described method or the steps of the described method.

[0086] Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is proposed, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the described method or the steps of the described method.

[0087] The statements relating to the container are particularly transferable to the method, the disc element, the data processing system and / or the computer-implemented method (i.e. the computer program and the computer-readable storage medium) and vice versa.

[0088] The use of indefinite articles ("a," "an," "one," and "another"), particularly in the patent claims and the description reproducing them, is to be understood as such and not as a numeral. Terms or components introduced accordingly are therefore to be understood as appearing at least once and, in particular, as being able to appear multiple times.

[0089] As a precaution, it should be noted that the numerals used here ("first", "second", "third", ...) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, quantities, or processes, and therefore do not necessarily dictate any interdependence and / or sequence of these objects, quantities, or processes. Should a dependence and / or sequence be required, this is explicitly stated here or will be obvious to a person skilled in the art upon studying the specifically described embodiment. The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown.In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description and / or figures. The same reference symbols denote the same objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used as a supplement if necessary. The schematic diagram shows:

[0090] Fig. 1 : a container in a side view in section;

[0091] Fig. 2: the container according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view;

[0092] Fig. 3: a detail of Fig. 1 ;

[0093] Fig. 4: the detail of Fig. 3 in a perspective view;

[0094] Fig. 5: a disc element in a plan view;

[0095] Fig. 6: the disc element according to Fig. 5 in a side view;

[0096] Fig. 7: the disc element according to Fig. 5 and 6 in a side view in

[0097] Cut;

[0098] Fig. 8: the disc element according to Fig. 7 in a perspective view; and

[0099] Fig. 9: the disc element according to Fig. 5 and 6 in a perspective

[0100] Opinion.

[0101] Fig. 1 shows a container 1 in a side view in section. Fig. 2 shows the container 1 according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view. Fig. 3 shows a detail of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows the detail of Fig. 3 in a perspective view. Figs. 1 to 4 are described together below.

[0102] The container 1 is made of sheet metal material 2. The container 1 comprises, at a first end 3, a base region 4 closing the first end 3, followed by a wall region 8 extending along an axial direction 5 toward a second end 6 and encircling it in a circumferential direction 7, and a lid region 9 closing the second end 6 with a closure 10. The base region 4, the wall region 8, and the lid region 9 enclose a container volume 11 in a gas-tight manner. Arranged within the container volume 11 is a disk element 12 that divides the container volume 11 into a first partial volume 13 and a second partial volume 14. The disk element 12 comprises an inner first region 15 and an annular second region 16 surrounding the first region 15 along the circumferential direction 7. The disk element 12 contacts the wall region 8 with the second region 16.The first region 15 and the second region 16 comprise different materials, or at least the second region 16 is made of a plastic material. The first partial volume 13 is larger than the second partial volume 14.

[0103] The illustrated disc element 12 can also be arranged in the container 1 in an inverted form. The second region 16 then rests against the wall region 8 not with a downwardly bent edge 20, as shown here, but with an upwardly bent edge 20.

[0104] In the illustrated upright state of the container 1, ready for intended use, the base region 4 is at the bottom relative to the direction of gravity and the lid region 9 is at the top. The wall region 8 extends between the base region 4 and the lid region 9 along the axial direction 5 (essentially) parallel to the direction of gravity and in a circumferential direction 7 completely around the base region 4 and the lid region 9. The container 1 is cylindrical and has (apart from structures, e.g., in the lid region 9, e.g., for opening / closing the container volume 11) an axis of symmetry 30 that extends parallel to the axial direction 5. The container 1 is used as a beverage container. As such, it comprises a housing with the base region 4, the lid region 9, and a wall region 8 connecting the base region 4 to the lid region 9.Furthermore, the beverage container 1 has a core slope 28 running along the circumferential direction 8 (in the base region 4 or) between the base region 4 and the wall region 8, as well as an additional core slope 28 (in the lid region 9 or) between the lid region 9 and the wall region 8. The container 1 has a container volume 11 which can be or is at least partially filled with the liquid. In the lid region 9 and along a radial direction 27 running transversely to the axial direction 5, the closure 10 is arranged within the core slope 28, via which the liquid can be removed from the container volume 11 when opened.

[0105] The core slope 28 is a groove in the base region 4 or lid region 9 which runs circumferentially in the circumferential direction 7, wherein a lowest point of the container volume 11 (relative to the direction of gravity) is arranged within the core slope 28 of the base region 4.

[0106] The container 1 is opened via an operable closure 10 in the lid area 9.

[0107] The first sub-volume 13 and the second sub-volume 14 are fluidically connected to each other via the disk element 12, here via an opening 22 and a recess 21 of the disk element 12. Even with the fluidic connection, there is at least a theoretical separation into two sub-volumes 13, 14. The separating surface between the sub-volumes 13, 14 extends along the plane of the disk element 12 across the fluidic connection.

[0108] The second partial volume 14 is in the initial state at least partially filled with a fluid (e.g. a gas). When the container 1 is opened and the pressure is equalized with the environment, the fluid escapes from the second partial volume 14 via the fluidic connection into the first partial volume 13 or into the liquid arranged there. The disk element 12 comprises an inner first region 15 and an annular second region 16 surrounding the first region 15 along the circumferential direction 7. The first region 15 and the second region 16 together form a disk by which the partial volumes 13, 14 are separated from one another. The disk element 12 extends in the container 1 in a plane running transversely to the axial direction 5.

[0109] The disc element 12 contacts the wall region 8 with the second region 16. The contact is circumferential. A recess 21 is provided, through which the circumferential contact is interrupted at least locally. A fluid connection between the partial volumes 13, 14 is formed via the recess 21.

[0110] Preferably, the first region 15 is made of a sheet metal material. The sheet metal material 2 of the first region 15 corresponds to the sheet metal material 2 of the first container part 24 and the second container part 25. This can improve or simplify the recycling of the container 1.

[0111] The second region 16 is preferably made of a plastic material. This prevents damage to the surfaces surrounding the container volume 11 when the disc element 12 is arranged in the first container part 24 or in the container 1.

[0112] All surfaces of a sheet material 2 that would otherwise be contactable by a fluid (or liquid) disposed within the container volume 11 are coated with a coating material 23. The coating material 23 comprises a plastic. If the second region 16 is made of a plastic material, damage to this coating can be reliably prevented.

[0113] (Only) the second region 16 can be elastically deformed during the insertion of the disc element 12 into the first container part 24, so that the disc element 12 can also be arranged in the first container part 24 through the cross-sectional constriction 29 of the wall region 8. The wall region 8 has the cross-sectional constriction 29 in the region of the second end 6, wherein the cover element 26 is arranged in the cross-sectional constriction 29.

[0114] The wall region 8 is cylindrical at the contact point 17, at which the second region 16 contacts the wall region 8, and thus extends parallel to the axial direction 5.

[0115] The bottom region 4 has a convex shape as viewed from the container volume 11. A contact surface 18 is formed on a region of this shape extending furthest into the container volume 11 from the first end 3 along the axial direction 5, against which the disk element 12 rests or contacts the disk element 12.

[0116] The contact surface 18 forms a kind of stop for the disc element 12, so that further displacement of the disc element 12 along the axial direction 5 is prevented by the contact surface 18. Thus, a volume value of the second partial volume 14 can be determined by the design of the convex shape. A change in the convex shape then also causes a change in the volume value of the second partial volume 14. The disc element 12 contacts the contact surface 18 exclusively with the first region 15.

[0117] The contact surface 18 has a curved profile in a cross section 19 of the container 1 running parallel to the axial direction 5, wherein the disk element 12 has a corresponding (i.e. in the same way) curved profile at least in the region of contact with the contact surface 18, so that contacting surfaces of the disk element 12 and the contact surface 18 run parallel to one another in all cross sections 19 of the container 1 running parallel to the axial direction 5.

[0118] The contact surface 18 is circular. The second partial volume 14 extends in a ring around the contact surface 18, i.e., it is bounded inwardly by the contact surface 18 or by the convex shape of the base region 4, and outwardly by the wall region 8 or the outer wall of the base region 4. The disc element 12 is connected to the contact surface 18 via an adhesive material 31. The position of the disc element 12 within the container volume 11 can be determined via the adhesive material 31.

[0119] The first sub-volume 13 and the second sub-volume 14 are fluidically connected to each other via the disc element 12. The fluidic connection includes a passage for a fluid (a gas and / or a liquid) across the disc element 12, so that the fluid can flow from one sub-volume 13, 14 into the other sub-volume 14, 13.

[0120] The fluidic connection is formed by a recess 21 arranged on an outer edge 20 of the second region 16 and by an opening 22 arranged exclusively in the second region 16.

[0121] The recess 21 is an incision or undercut at the edge 20 of the second region 16, so that the fluid can flow along the wall region 8 from the second partial volume 14 into the first partial volume 13. In this case, the passage for the fluid is formed by the wall region 8 and the second region 16.

[0122] Alternatively, the at least one recess 21 can also be formed by a higher roughness present only at the edge 20. Alternatively, the recess 21 or the opening 22 can be designed as a failure element that switches, for example, in both directions, i.e., toward the second partial volume 14 and toward the first partial volume 13 (depending on the direction of the pressure difference), when a certain value of a pressure difference is exceeded, thus forming a fluidic connection.

[0123] The failure element can be designed as a predetermined breaking point, e.g. formed by a locally reduced wall thickness of the material or by a slot or opening that is closed at a low pressure difference and opened at a higher pressure difference.

[0124] The opening 22 is, for example, a hole, a channel, or a through-bore through which the first partial volume 13 and the second partial volume 14 are fluidically connected to one another. The opening 22 is thus formed exclusively by the second region 16.

[0125] The second region 16 is produced by an injection molding process, wherein the first region 15 is already arranged in the injection mold and is at least partially encapsulated by the material of the second region 16.

[0126] According to step a) of the method, a first container part 24 of the container 1 is provided, comprising a base region 4 closing a first end 3 of the container 1 and a wall region 8 adjoining it and extending along an axial direction 5 towards an open second end 6 and configured to run circumferentially in a circumferential direction 7. According to step b), the disk element 12 is provided. According to step c), the disk element 12 is pushed along the axial direction 5 over the open second end 6 (i.e. the lid element 26 is not yet arranged on the first container part 24) into the first container part 24 and a second partial volume 14 of the container 1 is formed, which is spatially delimited by the base region 4 and the disk element 12.According to step d), a second container part 25 of the container 1 is provided, comprising a lid element 26 that at least partially closes the second end 6 of the container 1. According to step e), the lid element 26 is arranged on the wall region 8, and the first container part 24 is connected to the second container part 25 by a circumferential seam to form the container 1. With the arrangement of the lid element 26, the first partial volume 13 and thus also the container volume 11 are also closed.

[0127] Between steps c) and d) or between steps c) and e), the container 1 is filled with a gas (nitrogen) and a liquid, e.g., a beverage suitable for consumption. The first container part 24 (first partial volume 13 and second partial volume 14) is filled with a liquid—but in particular not completely; alternatively, the second partial volume 14 is at least partially filled with a fluid and the first partial volume 13 is at least partially filled with a liquid. In particular, the first container part 24 is then (re)filled with the fluid, e.g., with an inert gas (possibly at least partially liquefied). After step e), the container 1 is optionally turned over so that the base region 4 faces upwards (relative to the direction of gravity). Subsequently, the second partial volume 14 is filled with the fluid via the at least one fluidic connection, e.g.,with the inert gas expanding by heating in the closed container 1, or by changing the state of aggregation of the inert gas and the resulting expansion of the inert gas.

[0128] Finally, the filled container 1 is made available in an initial state (the state of the container 1 ready for its intended use).

[0129] In step c), a predetermined volume value of the first partial volume 13 is set by the extent of the displacement of the disc element 12 along the axial direction 5. After step c), the disc element 12 contacts the contact surface 18.

[0130] In step c), the disc element 12 can be deformed by contacting the contact surface 18, whereby the predetermined volume value of the first partial volume 13 is then set. During this deformation of the disc element 12, the base region 4 can be supported from the outside so that it does not deform further.

[0131] Fig. 5 shows a disk element 12 in a plan view. Fig. 6 shows the disk element 12 according to Fig. 5 in a side view. Fig. 7 shows the disk element 12 according to Figs. 5 and 6 in a side view in section. Fig. 8 shows the disk element 12 according to Fig. 7 in a perspective view. Fig. 9 shows the disk element 12 according to Figs. 5 and 6 in a perspective view. Figs. 5 to 9 are described together below. Reference is made to the explanations for Figs. 1 to 4.

[0132] The disc element 12 (also shown in Figs. 1 to 4) is designed for placement in the container 1. The disc element 12 comprises an inner first region 15 and an annular second region 16 that surrounds the inner region 15 along the circumferential direction 7. The first region 15 and the second region 16 comprise different materials, or at least the second region 16 is made of a plastic material. The disc element 12 has a plurality of fluid connections.

[0133] The fluidic connections are formed on the one hand by a recess 21 arranged on an outer edge 20 of the second region 16 and on the other hand by an opening 22 arranged exclusively in the second region 16.

[0134] The recess 21 is an incision or undercut at the edge 20 of the second region 16, so that the fluid can flow along the wall region 8 from the second partial volume 14 into the first partial volume 13. In this case, the passage for the fluid is formed by the wall region 8 and the second region 16.

[0135] The opening 22 is, for example, a hole, a channel, or a through-bore through which the first partial volume 13 and the second partial volume 14 are fluidically connected. The opening 22 is thus formed exclusively by the second region 16.

[0136] The second region 16 is produced by an injection molding process, wherein the first region 15 is already arranged in the injection mold and is at least partially encapsulated by the material of the second region 16.

[0137] List of reference symbols

[0138] 1 container

[0139] 2 Sheet metal material

[0140] 3 first end

[0141] 4 Floor area

[0142] 5 axial direction

[0143] 6 second end

[0144] 7 Circumferential direction

[0145] 8 Wall area

[0146] 9 Lid area

[0147] 10 Closure

[0148] 11 Container volume

[0149] 12 disc element

[0150] 13 first subvolume

[0151] 14 second partial volume

[0152] 15 first area

[0153] 16 second area

[0154] 17 Contact point

[0155] 18 contact surface

[0156] 19 Cross section

[0157] 20 Rand

[0158] 21 recess

[0159] 22 Opening

[0160] 23 Coating material

[0161] 24 first container part

[0162] 25 second container part

[0163] 26 Cover element

[0164] 27 radial direction

[0165] 28 core slope

[0166] 29 Cross-sectional narrowing

[0167] 30 axis of symmetry

[0168] 31 Adhesive material

Claims

Claims Container (1 ), made of a sheet material (2), at least comprising at a first end (3) a bottom region (4) closing the first end (3), followed by a bottom region (4) extending along an axial direction (5) extending towards a second end (6) and circumferentially formed in a circumferential direction (7) and a second end (6) closing a lid region (9) with a closure (10); wherein the base region (4), the wall region (8), and the lid region (9) enclose a container volume (11) in a gas-tight manner; wherein a disk element (12) is arranged within the container volume (11), dividing the container volume (11) into a first partial volume (13) and a second partial volume (14); wherein the disk element (12) comprises at least an inner first region (15) and an annular second region (16) surrounding the first region (15) along the circumferential direction (7); wherein the disk element (12) contacts the wall region (8) with the second region (16); wherein the first region (15) and the second region (16) comprise different materials, or at least the second region (16) is made of a plastic material.Container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wall region (8) is cylindrical at a contact point (17) at which the second region (16) contacts the wall region (8). Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base region (4) has a convex shape as seen from the container volume (11) and a contact surface (18) in a region of this shape extending furthest into the container volume (11) from the first end (3) along the axial direction (5); wherein the disk element (12) contacts the contact surface (18). Container (1) according to claim 3, wherein the disk element (12) contacts the contact surface (18) exclusively with the first region (15).

5. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims 3 and 4, wherein the contact surface (18) has an at least partially curved profile in a cross-section (19) of the container (1) running parallel to the axial direction (5), wherein the disc element (12) has a corresponding curved profile at least in the region of contact with the contact surface (18), so that contacting surfaces of the disc element (12) and the contact surface (18) run parallel to one another.

6. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, wherein the disc element (12) is connected to the contact surface (18) via an adhesive material (31).

7. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first partial volume (13) and the second partial volume (14) are fluidically connected to one another via the disc element (12).

8. Container (1) according to claim 7, wherein the fluidic connection is formed at least by at least one recess (21) arranged on an outer edge (20) of the second region (16) or by at least one opening (22) arranged exclusively in the second region (16).

9. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first region (15) is formed by a sheet metal material and the second region (16) is formed by a plastic material molded onto the first region (15).

10. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least each surface of the sheet material (2) surrounding the container volume (11) or additionally each surface of a sheet material (2) arranged within the container volume (11) is coated with a plastic as a coating material (23). 11 . Disc element (12) for arrangement in a container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, at least comprising an inner first th region (15) and an annular second region (16) surrounding the first region (15) along the circumferential direction (7);wherein the first region (15) and the second region (16) comprise different materials or at least the second region (16) is made of a plastic material. Disc element (12) according to claim 11, at least comprising at least one recess (21) arranged on an outer edge (20) of the second region (16) or at least one opening (22) arranged exclusively in the second region (16). Method for producing a container (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, at least comprising the following steps: a) providing a first container part (24) of the container (1), at least comprising a base region (4) closing a first end (3) of the container (1) and a wall region (8) adjoining it and extending along an axial direction (5) towards an open second end (6) and circumferentially formed in a circumferential direction (7); b) providing the disc element (12);c) inserting the disc element (12) along the axial direction (5) over the open second end (6) into the first container part (24) and forming a second partial volume (14) of the container (1) which is spatially delimited at least by the base region (4) and the disc element (12); and d) providing a second container part (25) of the container (1), at least comprising a cover element (26) which at least partially closes the second end (6) of the container (1); e) arranging the cover element (26) on the wall region (7) and connecting the first container part (24) to the second container part (25) to form the container (1). Method according to claim 12, wherein in step c) the amount of displacement of the disc element along the axial direction (5); elements (12), a predetermined volume value of the first partial volume (13) is set. Method according to claim 13, wherein the base region (4) has a convex shape as seen from the container volume (11) and a contact surface (18) on a region of this shape extending furthest into the container volume (11) from the first end (3) along the axial direction (5); wherein the disk element (12) contacts the contact surface (18) after step c); wherein in step c) contacting the contact surface (18) results in the disk element (12) being deformed, and the predetermined volume value of the first partial volume (13) is thus set.

Images